The endemic and critically endangered Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi) is known in Hawaiian as "Ilio holo I ka uaua," which translates as "the dog that goes in rough water."

The Hawaiian monk seal, a federally listed endangered species, most commonly inhabits the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. However, monk seals are occasionally sighted around the main Hawaiian Islands, including off Mākua Beach on the Wai‘anae coast. Prominent threats to monk seal populations include entanglement in fishing gear; disturbance by humans, which can cause seals to abandon haul-out areas and their pups; and predation by sharks.

Ko Olina Reefs | Ko Olina Dolphins | Hawaiian Monk Seal |